2002 Chevrolet Malibu 3.1 V6 from North America

Summary:

Overall a very good car for the money

Faults:

Well the brakes had to be replaced at 90,000, not sure the last time they were changed. Had to have the rotors turned, but that was my fault because I drove with the brakes bad for a while before I could get my Dad to fix them.

One of the brake calipers was bad, but Dad didn't notice it when he changed the brakes, so we ended up having to replace that, and the brakes on the right side.

At 102,500 miles, the check engine light came on, took it to the dealer and the catalytic converter was stopped up, so we ended up having to pay 100 to have it fixed. It was an easy fix we that we did ourselves with the help of Advanced Auto Parts.

Then two of my speakers blew, one on the right front side, and the one on the left rear side, which probably is my fault for cranking up the radio too high. Chevy speakers aren't very good any ways, replacing them with Kickers.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS from North America

Summary:

Do not recommend

Faults:

I got the car new in 2002 and it has been in the shop 11 times since then. I am not particularly hard on the vehicle, and only I drive it. Last time it was in the shop almost 2 weeks because some items needed to go to the machine shop. The service center at the dealership told me that all the items that I have brought my car in for are the same things they see all the time for this year, make and model. I would not recommend this car.

2002 Chevrolet Malibu LS 3.1 from North America

Summary:

While Nissan, Toyota, GM sell their cars almost at same price, get a Nissan or Toyota. Say no to GM

Faults:

Fan only works with 4 and 5, changed the blower resistor but after 12000 miles, same problem. Now only 2345 working, but I know eventually 2 3 will go bad and stop working.

Poorly built car, rear stop light, LED high mount light seal is bad, water in the unit. I have to change the bulb frequently.

Theft system problem; I've installed a remote car starter, that helps to prevent costly dealer repairs. Dealers are only using some big theory to scare the customer, so that the customer spends thousands of dollars.

Front brake pads; you've to change them every 15000mi. Rears are just like brand new,

Chevrolet is not an American evolution. GM does not care about after sales service. GM knows the problem (as the dealer) but refuses to recall, and they continue to make cars with the same problem year after year.

This is my first American GM car, and I'm disappointed with it. I had a 96 Nissan Maxima that I drove 265000 miles with one motor, one tranny, with some electrical problem after 150k. I had a 4 cyl 92 Camry, which I spend nothing except regular maintenance; drove 225k. But this 02 GM vehicle is draining my money. Only 70k with so many problems

General Comments:

While all manufacturers sell their same class car at almost the same price, we should go for a reliable one. Camry, Malibu, previously Maxima, but now Altima, Accord, even Sonata, Kia optima, VW Jetta, low line Volvo V40, Mazda M6; lots of choice, so why the Malibu, when we know all the problems year after year. and malibu have the worst resale value. You dont want to spend money for major engine problems while still paying the car payment. roomy interior,soft comfy rear seats, big trunk, nice music system and auto light and courtesy light.